When getting up to dead-heat on Doc Carver in the last race at Chipley Park on Saturday,
Becky Pugh achieved something that is probably unique in the history of pointing – the same
horse and rider combination winning a Novice Riders race three years in a row. 25-year-old
Becky, who hails from Pontypool, is a true amateur in an increasingly professional sport, as
Doc Carver is the only horse she rides, and the only pointer owned and trained by her father
Dennis. Jake Exelby gave Becky a call after her win to find out if she knew she’d made
history and to get her take on the state of Welsh pointing, among other topical subjects.
Talk me through your career in racing so far and how you got into point-to-pointing in
the first place?
I‘ve always lived in Pontypool, where we have a smallholding. Dad’s had pointers as long as
I can remember and – while I started off showjumping and eventing and still compete to a
decent level – I always knew I wanted to have a go at pointing.
I ride out for Robert Stephens six mornings a week, then ride our horses at home in the
afternoon.
Talk me through your first ride… and your first win
My first ride was on a horse called Bracken House. Everyone fell off him (his form figures in
points were PUFUPU!) and I did too – I can even remember the fence, the third last at
Chaddesley Corbett, as you go up the hill. He’d never actually fall, just make mistakes.
We were very lucky to find Doc Carver. He came from Henry Oliver’s, and we’d seen him
advertised – I think it was on Facebook. My first ride on him was in an Open at
Buckfastleigh, then my first win came next time out, back at Chaddesley Corbett. It didn’t go
according to plan – we were well detached early on, then flew home, although it was quite
tight on the line, and we only won by a neck.
He’s such an amazing horse. He really tries. He was a two-mile chaser when we got him, but
he’s so relaxed that he just switches off, plods round behind then uses his turn of foot.
Pointing suits him. We turn him out in the field every day and only hack him at home, taking
him to Rob’s to gallop.
And tell me about Saturday. Did you think you’d won? Did you realise it was a unique
achievement?
I knew it was close, but didn’t think I’d got up – I only realised I’d dead-heated when I was
weighing-in. And, while I knew it was something to win a race three years in a row, I didn’t
know what I’d done was unique.
Were you expecting to win?
He normally seems to need his first run of the season.
I wasn’t optimistic beforehand because – you’re right – he always needs his first run. He’s a
lazy horse at home and had never won first time out. This year, however, was the first he’s
had a work companion – he’s been doing a lot of work with a horse called
Dumpedonmedennis, who also ran on Saturday.
He obviously loves Chipley Park. Why do you think that is?
He’s a phenomenal jumper, so you can just leave him to it. And because he’s got a turn of
foot, the hill at Chipley Park suits him well.
You only ride Doc Carver. Have you ever been tempted to seek outside rides?
No, never. I’ve been lucky enough to have my own horse, I know him well, and he’s safe and
looks after me. So, I’m happy just riding him. There’s no other reason.
He's 14 now. Have you got a successor lined up?
Not yet, and I don’t know if we’ll be able to find another like him!
What are your ambitions in pointing and racing?
I’ve never considered going professional and like doing it for the fun of it. Having my own
horse means there’s less to worry about and I do it for enjoyment – it’s not a career.
I used to have a Category A licence but didn’t renew it. Hunter Chasing is so competitive
these days and it’s not the amateur sport it was. I know it’s not a new thing, but there’s not a
lot of incentive for a one-horse operation to run against professional trainers.
I’d just like to win an Open at some point – all my wins have been in Conditions Races.
What do you enjoy most about pointing?
The thrill of racing, and the overall atmosphere – it’s a good day out.
What’s your view on point-to-pointing in Wales?
It’s been sad to see that Ystradowen have lost their two fixtures, and that there’s no meeting
at Ffos Las this year. It’s never good when tracks close, although I think I’ve read about
another track that might open and host a couple of fixtures.
What do you think will happen to pointing after a hunting ban?
I don’t hunt myself, but Howick is our local track, so we register Doc Carver with the Curre &
Llangibby to give us the option of the Members Race there. I think the sport would be in
trouble without hunting, as there wouldn’t be enough people to organise the meetings. And
would the farmers still allow you to race over their land?
What are your non-horsey hobbies?
I don’t have any – I don’t have time. Horses take up every moment of my day – even now,
talking to you at 6.30pm, I’m in the yard feeding!